Section 396 — Petty coercion by force or threat
English translation
Whoever coerces another person to do any act, to refrain from any act, or to submit to anything, by using force or by threatening in any manner, unlawfully, if the offence does not amount to extortion, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding one month, or a fine not exceeding ten thousand baht, or both.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
The elements are coercing another to do, not do, or submit to something, by force or threat, done unlawfully, provided the conduct does not amount to extortion. It is the petty-offence counterpart to coercion under Section 309 and extortion under Section 337: where the coercion is used to obtain property or a benefit, the offence rises to extortion, and where it compels a person to act more seriously it may fall under Section 309, both far heavier. Section 396 is the residual minor form for unlawful compulsion that produces no property gain. It is made compoundable by Section 398.
Why this matters in practice
Penalty exposure is minor and the offence is compoundable under Section 398, so the injured person may settle. The clause "if the offence does not amount to extortion" matters in charging: where a threat is used to obtain money or property, prosecutors will charge extortion under Section 337, which is far heavier; Section 396 fits only where no property or benefit is demanded. A defendant facing this charge should assess whether the alleged demand crosses into extortion or coercion territory. For general context, see our guide to criminal law in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
How is Section 396 different from extortion?
Section 396 covers unlawful coercion by force or threat that does not seek property or a benefit, while extortion under Section 337 involves a threat used to obtain property and carries a much heavier penalty.
Is a Section 396 charge compoundable?
Yes. Section 398 makes the offence under Section 396 compoundable, so the injured person may settle and end the case before final judgment.